KATHMANDU: The Government of Nepal has decided to suspend issuing visas to travelers from the coronavirus-affected countries even as the World Health Organization says the new coronavirus outbreak is a ‘controllable pandemic’ if countries stepped up measures to tackle it.
A meeting of the high-level coordination committee has decided to suspend issuing on-arrival visas to visitors from different countries, mainly from those affected by the global pandemic of coronavirus.
However, the government has yet to publicize the decision in detail. Minister for Finance Dr Yubraj Khatiwada, also the government Spokesperson, informed that the government would soon finalize the list of COVID-19-affected countries in the European Union and the Middle East.
The government has yet to decide to suspend international flights as of now.
It should be noted that government had earlier this week decided to suspend on-arrival visa for the nationals of eight countries, including China, Iran, France, Germany, Spain, South Korea and Japan.
Meanwhile, the government has decided not to suspend the scheduled examinations of schools and colleges.
Likewise, the government has also decided to keep medical personnel of Nepal Police, Nepal Army, Armed Police Force, medical colleges and other health institutions throughout the country on alert to be mobilized in case of emergencies.
The meeting has also urged people to refrain from organizing or attending public assemblies, events, weddings, or any other mass gatherings.
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